Veteran Claims He Would’ve Booked The Rock’s Daughter Better Than WWE

The Rock is one of WWE’s most popular stars, who first gained popularity during the Attitude Era before transitioning into Hollywood, making him one of the biggest actors in the world.

With such a huge wrestling pedigree, all eyes were on The Rock’s daughter when she made her debut on the NXT brand as Ava. After spending a few years as a wrestler, she transitioned into an authority figure role.

Ava served as the General Manager of NXT for three years before announcing her shock departure from the company on January 30, 2026, stating that she decided not to renew her contract.

Dutch Mantell makes a bold claim regarding a former WWE star

The former Zeb Colter was talking on his Story Time with Dutch Mantell podcast, where his co-host brought up Ava’s departure from the company. Mantell stated that he would’ve done a better job with her than what WWE did.

I guarantee you I could have got her over. I’d have to study her, but there’s something about her that you could have. I think if you looked—I mean, hopefully you’re not looking so hard for any talent to get them over—surely something jumps out at you. With Ava, I’d have to say nothing really jumps out at you. But there’s got to be something that you could have got her farther than what she’s gotten so far. So, I don’t know, but I’d have to study it. But I think I could have done a better job with her than they did.” Mantell said.

Dutch Mantell is best known to WWE fans as the manager for Jack Swagger and Cesaro’s ‘We The People’ stable under his Zeb Colter gimmick. To a wider audience, he is also known for being part of the booking team for TNA and the brain responsible for the creation and eventual success of the promotion’s Knockout Division.

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